Barbara Jackson Canavan

Barbara Jackson Canavan, 66, died peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on July 19, 2023.

Born in New Brunswick to the late Harry and Elsie Jackson (nee Balis), she was raised in Franklin Township and was a graduate of Immaculata High School in Somerville. There she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Canavan, on a high school ski trip. The two were married and moved to Saginaw, Michigan to live and work for 10 wonderful years. During that time, they spent a year abroad in Cadiz, Spain. They moved back home to New Jersey in 1989 and lived next door to Barb’s parents and sister in Franklin Township while Bob attended law school. Barb and Bob finally settled in Bridgewater where they made their home and raised their beautiful daughter Elizabeth.

Barb worked as an Administrative Assistant for Johnson Carbide Products while living in Michigan. After returning to NJ, she worked as an Admin for Novo Nordisk in Princeton. Once Elizabeth started school, Barb went back to work as a Teachers Aid for the first grade at Immaculate Conception School, a position she enjoyed for ten years. She was also able to express her lifelong passion for food by cooking for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in their Somerville convent.

Barb loved hosting family and friends, and pulled out all the stops when it came to entertaining. She shared her love of cooking with Elizabeth and shared recipes with her friends and family. She especially loved hosting get-togethers on her deck, which was a showcase for her love of flower gardening. She spent time hiking and camping with Bob and Elizabeth and enjoyed the time outdoors. Her family and friends treasure memories of the quality time spent at her home, at the Jersey Shore, in the Adirondacks and on other vacations. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Barb was an active parishioner of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where she helped organize and run the annual Mothers’ Retreat for many years. When Elizabeth joined the Immaculata Marching Band, Barb became an enthusiastic “band mom,” coordinating meals and snacks for the band members and posting thousands of marching band photos that are treasured by parents to this day. Barb’s large circle of friends includes many fellow ICS and IHS parents, as well as members of her bunco group.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Elsie Jackson, and her dear sister Terryl Jackson.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years Bob Canavan, her cherished daughter, Elizabeth Canavan, her dear sister Virginia “Ginny” Jackson and her extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 AM.

Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, East Millstone (Franklin Township).

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to the Immaculata High School Music Program/Immaculate Conception School Music Program, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville NJ 08876 with the memo: Memory of Barbara Canavan.